By NATION REPORTER
THE Patriotic Front supports the call by the ruling UPND that the relationship between former President Edgar Lungu and President Hakainde Hichilema should be cordial and harmonious.
Mr Cornelius Mweetwa, the UPND spokesperson has said it is their expectation that the relationship between Mr Lungu and President Hichilema should be cordial and harmonious,
And Mr Mweetwa has said President Hichilema and the UPND administration have nothing to do with the continued dentetion without trial of former PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri.
And PF national Chairperson Davis Chama said that the call from Mr Mweetwa was timely and that there was need for the two leaders to have a healthy working environment.
Mr Chama said the PF supported the move and that Mr Lungu tried when he was in office to harmonise relations with the former heads of state.
“I want to say as a party we support such calls. I just hope that they are going to be sincere and not just making mere pronouncements,” he said. He said that the UPND could not be trusted but that he hoped that they would stick to their end of the bargain.
Meanwhile, Mr Mweetwa says the UPND administration’s crusade against corruption shall be holistic, encompassing the past, present and future will be handled with strict adherence to the rule of law.
Mr Mweetwa who is also Southern Province Minister has said former President Lungu still had a lot to contribute to the stability and progress of the country.
Featuring on the ZNBC Sunday Interview with host Gravazio Zulu, Mr Mweetwa said Zambians were expecting former President Lungu and his successor Mr Hichilema to have a cordial relationship.
He said leaders were what epitomised the best of what Zambians were and it was therefore politically correct that the two leaders should enjoy a good relationship between them.
Mr Mweetwa said Zambians celebrated when former President Lungu and President Hichilema were seen sharing a light moment during the funeral of late Sikota Wina because they loved peace and stability.
“President Lungu has a lot to contribute to the stability and progress of the country. It is our expectation that the relationship between former President Lungu and President HH (Hakainde Hichilema) should be cordial and harmonious. Leaders epitomise the best of what we are.
Zambians love former President Lungu but they are also saying his role is not to undermine President Hichilema,” Mr Mweetwa said.
Mr Mweetwa , who is Choma central UPND Member of Parliament, said Ms Mumbi was not one of the fierce critics of President Hichilema and the Head of State could therefore not choose to be vindictive against her.
He said often in her criticism, Ms Mumbi exhibited sobriety and that the former PF deputy secretary general never insulted President Hichilema.
Mr Mweetwa denied assertions that the continued incarceration of Ms Mumbi was an act of vengeance on the part of the ruling party, disclosing that there were some youths in Monze Prison who had been in detention for more than two years without being taken to court.
Mr Mweetwa said politicians had a tendency to cry persecution each time they were asked to account for their actions while they served in public office.
He said the UPND government was not going to be selective in the crusade against corruption and that those who had plundered the country’s purse shall be made to account for their actions.
Mr Mweetwa however stated that citizens were eager to see that acts of corruption committed in the past were conclusively prosecuted and those found wanting brought to book.
